Posts Tagged ‘Classical Division’


Photo collage of a woman dressed in a USC Trojan drum major costume holding a sword.

USC Trailblazer: India Anderson

March 7, 2023

Becoming the first female drum major of the USC Trojan Marching Band set India Anderson on a path toward self-actualization and feminism.


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Pardy Minassian finds lost songs in Shoah Foundation archive

November 23, 2022

USC Thornton Classical Guitar program graduate certificate alumna Pardy Minassian was featured on USC Shoah Foundation’s website for discovery of lost Armenian testimonies and songs from the Armenian Genocide. Last year, the Armenian guitarist was awarded a project grant from the Calouste Gyukbenkian Foundation for her multimedia series focused on unpublished Armenian folk songs that… Continue reading Pardy Minassian finds lost songs in Shoah Foundation archive


Photo of a cellist performing on stage with a dancer in a black unitard in front of them.

“Difficult Grace” by Seth Parker Woods named a Critic’s Pick by The New York Times

November 22, 2022

“Difficult Grace,” by USC Thornton strings department faculty member Seth Parker Woods, has been named a Critic’s Pick by The New York Times. An evening-long multimedia program at the 92nd Street Y’s Kaufmann Concert Hall, the performance featured Woods performing a series of works with the choreographer and dancer Roderick George. “Woods was already a cellist of… Continue reading “Difficult Grace” by Seth Parker Woods named a Critic’s Pick by The New York Times


Outdoor photo of Kyra Stahr

Kyra Stahr to present at California All-State Music Education Conference

November 21, 2022

Thornton Department of Choral & Sacred Music master’s student Kyra Stahr (MM ‘23) has been selected to present in two sessions at the California All-State Music Education Conference February 15-19, 2023 in Fresno, California. The sessions are titled “Programming with Purpose: Repertoire to Support the Developing Secondary Choral Program” and “Bridging the Gap: Creating an… Continue reading Kyra Stahr to present at California All-State Music Education Conference


Photo of a 1960s-era airport terminal with red carpet and tall windows facing a runway.

Turbulent Destinations

November 16, 2022

The USC Thornton Opera program presents Jonathan Dove and April De Angelis’ witty and moving opera, “Flight.”


Photograph of Seth Parker Woods

Seth Parker Woods announces world premiere of multimedia concert tour “Difficult Grace”

November 16, 2022

USC Thornton strings department faculty member and cellist Seth Parker Woods has announced the world premiere of his multimedia concert, “Difficult Grace,” which features film, spoken text, visual artwork and original choreography by Roderick George. According to Broadway World, the performance will premiere at 92NY’s Kaufmann Concert Hall in New York City on Nov. 19… Continue reading Seth Parker Woods announces world premiere of multimedia concert tour “Difficult Grace”


Photo of Seth Parker Woods performing with an illustration of a GRAMMY Award.

Multiple USC Thornton Grads and Faculty Nominated for 2023 GRAMMY Awards

November 15, 2022

Alumni and faculty from the Jazz Studies program lead a lengthy list of USC Thornton nominees.


Portrait of Antoinette Perry smiling

Antoinette Perry releases CD “Moments Musicaux”

November 14, 2022

USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member Antoinette Perry released “Moments Musicaux” on Navona Records in July. The album of solo piano music, which was recorded live in USC Thornton’s Newman Recital Hall, features a blend of German, Austrian, Russian and American music.


Photo of Rina See

Rina Seo premiers composition at Carnegie Hall

November 11, 2022

USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program alumna Rina Seo (DMA ‘19) performed her Carnegie Hall debut as a composer, conductor and pianist in collaboration with the Elite Chorus on Oct. 8. She conducted her choral composition “Now” and the English premiere of “Death Will Be Vanquished.”


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Coming Home to USC Thornton

November 10, 2022

Acclaimed composer Andrew Norman will return to USC Thornton as associate professor of composition in Fall 2023.